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HBO Ends Production on ‘Luck’

Gusmano Cesaretti/HBOA scene from the HBO series “Luck,” which is set in the world of gambling and horse racing.

HBO said on Wednesday that it is ending further production on its high-profile drama “Luck,” one day after the announcement that a third horse involved in the show had been injured and euthanized.

“Luck,” which was set in the world of California horse racing and made its debut in January, came with a top-flight creative team: its producers included David Milch, a creator of “NYPD Blue” and the HBO Western “Deadwood,” and Michael Mann, the director of “Heat” and “Public Enemies,” and it starred Dustin Hoffman as a recently released prison convict who returns to his gambling ways.

The American Humane Association and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had called for an inquiry into “Luck” after a horse flipped and struck its head on Tuesday and was euthanized at the determination of an veterinarian. Two horses were also euthanized during the production of the first season of “Luck.”

HBO said in a statement on Wednesday: “Safety is always of paramount concern. We maintained the highest safety standards throughout production, higher in fact than any protocols existing in horseracing anywhere with many fewer incidents than occur in racing or than befall horses normally in barns at night or pastures. While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won’t in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision.”

The statement continued: “We are immensely proud of this series, the writing, the acting, the filmmaking, the celebration of the culture of horses, and everyone involved in its creation.”

Mr. Mann and Mr. Milch said in the statement: “The two of us loved this series, loved the cast, crew and writers. This has been a tremendous collaboration and one that we plan to continue in the future.”